FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2014) – Eleven firefighters from the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) have volunteered to help the U.S. Forest Service battle wildfires in the western United States. Just days after 20 firefighters returned from Oregon, two full-time KDF employees and six seasonal firefighters are heading to Humboldt, California as part of a mixed crew from Kentucky and Tennessee. They’ll be assigned to a fire after they arrive. Three additional division employees have already been dispatched to the Devil’s Elbow Complex — four wildfires that are located on the Colville Indian Reservation in northeastern Washington. One is serving as an information officer and two as heavy equipment bosses. “We are very proud of our employees who have volunteered for these dangerous assignments,” said KDF Director Leah MacSwords. “One condition we have placed on our employees is they must return by Sept. 1 to get ready for the start of the fall forest fire hazard season here in Kentucky, which begins Oct. 1. While it is important to provide help where needed, we have to make sure we have all available resources to respond to wildfires in Kentucky.” Firefighters from across the U.S. are assisting in battling wildfires in five western states. To see fire locations across the country, visit http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/.
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